The Pink Jack Dempsey is an eye-catching variant of Rocio octofasciatum. Adorned in pink to platinum coloration, this uniquely colored cichlid is typically smaller and reported to be less aggressive than its popular conventional counterpart.

The standard Jack Dempsey is a freshwater fish that originates in the murky warm waters of Central America. The Pink Jack Dempsey is a variant produced through selective breeding and do not naturally occur in the wild.

The Pink Jack Dempsey requires an aquarium of at least 55 gallons, with a fine sand bottom. There should be rocks and roots for them to hide among. The plants should be hardy as the Pink Jack Dempsey will burrow around and attack them. The aquarium should be divided into territories using hardy plants, if possible. The Pink Jack Dempsey is territorial and will eat smaller fish that they can swallow.

Neutral water with soft to medium hardness, a pH of approximately 7.0, and temperatures of 78-82°F is recommended. The Pink Jack Dempsey is an open breeder requires clean, well-oxygenated water to spawn. The Pink Jack Dempsey will typically spawn in burrows, laying up to 500 eggs. The fry are well protected by the parents, and once mated, they will continue to spawn once the fry have grown.

The Pink Jack Dempsey is carnivorous and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as live fish.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2” to 3”